Find out how popular the first name Candia has been for the last 15 years (from 1975 to 1989) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Candia by gender

Based on the last 15 years of data, Candia is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1989, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Candia.

The history of the first name Candia

The name Candia has its origins in Ancient Greek, deriving from the word "kandys," which means "white" or "brilliant." This connection suggests the name may have originally been associated with someone with a pale complexion or perhaps linked to the concept of purity or luminosity.

In the Byzantine era, the name was occasionally used, with records indicating a few individuals bearing the name during the 6th to 9th centuries. One notable example is Candia of Constantinople, a Byzantine noblewoman who lived in the 7th century and was known for her patronage of the arts and literature.

The name gained more widespread popularity during the Renaissance period, particularly in Italy. It is believed that the island of Crete, known as Candia at the time, may have influenced the name's usage. A famous bearer of the name was Candia Caetani, an Italian poet and philosopher who lived from 1425 to 1487 and was renowned for her work on Platonic philosophy.

In the 16th century, the name appeared in various literary works, including those of the English playwright William Shakespeare. In his play "Othello," one of the characters is named Candia, though it is unclear whether this was intended as a first name or a reference to the island.

During the 17th century, the name was carried by Candia Castellini, an Italian operatic soprano who performed in several notable Italian operas between 1630 and 1650. Her talent and popularity helped to spread the name's recognition across Europe.

Another notable bearer of the name was Candia Canavarro, a Portuguese noble and philanthropist who lived from 1671 to 1743. She was known for her charitable works and her support of educational initiatives in her home country.

While the name Candia has declined in usage in recent centuries, it remains a part of historical records and literary works, serving as a reminder of its ancient Greek roots and its association with concepts of brilliance and purity.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Candia was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Candia, please contact us.

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